Eating Western Food at DUNGA 🌊

Wandering Lakeside until my legs ached, I was drawn to a low-key wooden sign on the corner—DUNGA’s name was tucked behind greenery, and stepping inside revealed a hidden gem of a Western restaurant. I’d planned to just grab a quick bite, but from the first floor to the second, from salad to pizza, every bite surprised me: no bad picks, portions as generous as Pokhara’s sunshine, and the best part? The window seat upstairs, where looking up reveals Phewa Lake’s shimmer and looking down, the aroma of the plate. This Western meal was more satisfying than sightseeing ✨ 🌿 "Peace of Mind" by the Lake: Even Random Orders Impress Worried about picking a bad dish at a Western restaurant? Not at DUNGA. The menu isn’t flashy, but every dish from salad to main course exudes "reliability": The Margherita pizza was a pleasant shock: a thin, crispy crust with charred edges that "crunch" when bitten, bright tangy tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese stretching halfway across the table. Even the crust edges are dusted with herbs—way more genuine than many trendy spots; The creamy mushroom pasta didn’t disappoint: noodles cooked al dente with a slight chew, rich but not cloying cream sauce, and mushrooms in every bite. Served with freshly baked garlic bread, dipping it in the sauce is pure indulgence; Even the simplest Caesar salad feels thoughtful: romaine lettuce crisp enough to make a sound when bitten, crispy bacon, generous Parmesan shavings, and Caesar dressing with that salty-savory anchovy kick. Mixed with crunchy croutons, it’s as refreshing as a breath of lake wind. A friend’s random order of roast chicken with potato wedges was a standout: golden, slightly charred skin giving way to juicy meat that drips with juices when torn. Potato wedges fried crispy outside, fluffy inside, dusted with chili and salt—impossible to stop munching. Most importantly, portions are huge: one pizza feeds three girls, and guys can order a main + salad, leaving full with leftovers. No need to stress about "not enough" 😋 🏞️ Upstairs Window Seat: Eating Pasta with a Front-Row View of Phewa Lake Don’t stop on the first floor! Climb the wooden stairs to the second floor, and the view hits you: an entire wall is open, no glass barrier, letting lake breezes sweep through the seats. Grab a window spot, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with Phewa Lake’s full panorama—water shimmering like scattered silver, Machhapuchhre’s peak peeking through clouds, and colorful boats gliding by like fish swimming past your plate. Noon sunlight slants onto the pizza, the sheen of cheese blending with the lake’s sparkle, and "healing" suddenly feels tangible: fork piercing a runny egg yolk (served with the roast chicken), watching it seep into the meat juices, listening to wind rustle leaves, even chewing slows down. A friend said "this spot’s more comfortable than many viewpoints"—no crowds, no forced photos, just food and scenery "eaten" together 🌊 💰 Affordable Enough to Visit Daily: ~60 RMB per Person, Full Belly + Lake View Worried lakeside Western spots are overpriced? Check the bill: one pizza + pasta + two drinks cost just 2,500 Nepali rupees (~120 RMB) for four people—~30 RMB per person, leaving you stuffed. Compared to other Western restaurants in Lakeside, it’s like "buying a view and getting food free"—sitting by that upstairs window for an afternoon, just watching the lake feels worth it. The owner, a local guy with glasses, says "we want people to eat 轻松 (relaxed)". No fancy plating, no hype, just "fresh ingredients, generous portions": salad greens crisp with morning dew, pizza tomatoes from the daily market, even iced tea brewed to perfect strength—tastes like it’s mixed with lake breeze sweetness. Leaving as sunset dyed the lake orange, string lights on the second floor lit up. Suddenly, I got why people say "Pokhara’s romance hides in details"—maybe it’s the lake wind, maybe the aroma on the plate, but more likely, spots like DUNGA, where you don’t need a guide to eat well, to see beauty. If you’re in Lakeside craving Western food without the risk, or want a spot to eat with a view, trust me—head for DUNGA’s upstairs window. After all, how often do you get to "chew" both lake views and good food? 🏠 Name: DUNGA 📍 Address: Near Street 13, Lakeside, Pokhara (sign hidden behind greenery—check the last photo for a close-up!) #PokharaFood #Nepal #WesternFood #LakeViewDining #FoodieTravel #HiddenGemRestaurant